you’re a homeowner in Cherry Hill, Marlton, or anywhere in South Jersey, you’ve likely come across this question when comparing roofing options. At RGB Construction, we believe it’s important to understand exactly how your shingles are rated—for wind, fire, and impact—so you can choose the right protection for your home and family.
When you’re replacing your roof, it’s not just about shingles—it’s about protecting your home, your family, and your future. For homeowners in Cherry Hill, Marlton, Deptford, and across South Jersey, one name stands out for reliability and long-term performance:
GAF Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles.
But what class are they? What do these ratings actually mean for your home? And how can you be sure you’re making the right investment?
At RGB Construction—your local, award-winning GAF Master Elite® Contractor—we’re here to break it all down.
Understanding Shingle Classes (Without the Jargon)
When we talk about the “class” of roofing shingles, we’re referring to how well they stand up to wind, fire, and impact—not luxury levels or grades. Here’s how it works:
| Rating Type | What It Measures | Why It Matters in South Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | Gust durability | Nor’easters, hurricanes, and high winds |
| Fire Resistance | Flame resistance | Heatwaves, dry spells, nearby structure fires |
| Impact Resistance | Hail or debris damage | Storms, falling branches, insurance benefits |
South Jersey homes, especially near wooded areas or the coast, need to prioritize wind and fire protection as roofing essentials.
Explore Roof Repair Services in Cherry Hill
Wind Class Ratings: What Class Are GAF Timberline HD Shingles for Wind?
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles boast a wind rating of 130 MPH, placing them between Class G and Class H under ASTM D7158.
Why It Matters Locally:
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Built to handle hurricane-force gusts in areas like Medford or Washington Township
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Prevents uplift and blow-offs, even on older roof decking
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No special installation needed thanks to LayerLock™ Technology
Bonus: The DuraGrip™ sealant keeps each shingle in place—even when Jersey weather tries its worst.
Fire Resistance: Top-Tier Class A Rating
Your roof is your first line of defense against fire hazards. Fortunately, Timberline HDZ shingles come with a UL 790 Class A fire rating—the highest level available.
| Fire Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Class A | Can withstand direct flame for extended periods |
| Class B | Moderate flame resistance |
| Class C | Minimal flame resistance |
In the event of lightning strikes, wildfires, or nearby structure fires, Class A protection offers true peace of mind.
Compare: What Is the Difference Between 30, 40, 50 Year and Lifetime Shingles?
Impact Resistance: What You Need to Know
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are not impact-rated, which simply means they haven’t undergone Class 1–4 impact testing under UL 2218.
However, if hail or tree branches are a concern where you live, we recommend upgrading to GAF Timberline ArmorShield II, which carries a Class 4 rating.
| Impact Class | Steel Ball Size | Simulates |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1–4 | 1.25″–2″ diameter | Light to heavy hailstones |
📍 Live in Glassboro, Swedesboro, or Mt. Laurel? Consider ArmorShield II for extra protection—and possible insurance discounts.
Read: Are 50 Year Shingles Worth the Money?
Timberline HDZ Class Rating Summary
| Performance Category | Timberline HDZ Rating |
|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | 130 MPH (Class G–H) |
| Fire Resistance | Class A |
| Impact Resistance | Not Rated |
Ideal for South Jersey homes needing strong storm protection and long-term durability.
Specific Standards for Shingle Ratings (2024 Reference)
For deeper insight, here are the industry-standard classifications used to test shingles.
Wind Resistance Ratings (ASTM D7158)
| Class | Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| A | 60 MPH |
| B | 70 MPH |
| C | 80 MPH |
| D | 90 MPH |
| E | 100 MPH |
| F | 110 MPH |
| G | 120 MPH |
| H | 150 MPH |
Fire Resistance Ratings (UL 790)
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Class A: Fully fireproof; resists sustained flame
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Class B: Resists short-term exposure
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Class C: Minimal protection
Impact Resistance Ratings (UL 2218)
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Class 1: 1.25″ steel ball
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Class 2: 1.50″
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Class 3: 1.75″
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Class 4: 2.00″ (highest rating)
Shingles are tested using steel balls dropped from height to simulate hailstone impact.
Why Homeowners in South Jersey Choose Timberline HDZ
It’s not just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind, curb appeal, and value. Homeowners love Timberline HDZ shingles because they offer:
- Architectural wood-shake appearance
- Advanced algae resistance with StainGuard®
- High ROI for resale
- Vast color selection
- GAF-backed limited lifetime warranty
Local Testimonial Spotlight
“RGB Construction made the process seamless. The Timberline HDZ shingles gave our home a brand-new look—and we feel protected from anything Jersey weather throws at us.”
— Linda P., Cherry Hill, NJ
See More Customer Testimonials
RGB Construction: Your GAF Master Elite® Roofer in NJ
Less than 2% of roofers nationwide achieve GAF Master Elite status—and RGB is proud to represent South Jersey at the top tier.
- Licensed & insured
- Ongoing training
- Exclusive warranty access
- Local experts trusted across Cherry Hill, Haddon Heights, and Gloucester County
Protect Your Home with Timberline HDZ — Get a Free Estimate Today
Whether you’re replacing a storm-damaged roof or upgrading your home’s curb appeal, now is the perfect time to install Timberline HDZ shingles with RGB Construction.
📍 Serving: Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Glassboro, and surrounding towns.
Schedule My Free Roofing Estimate
📞 Or call us now at 856-264-9093
🔒 Ask about lifetime warranties and our Spring 2025 promotions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: Are Timberline HDZ shingles good for South Jersey weather?
- A: Yes! They’re built to withstand 130 MPH winds and offer Class A fire resistance—ideal for our climate.
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Q: Do they qualify for rebates or discounts?
- A: Possibly. Some insurance companies offer discounts for Class 4 impact shingles. Ask us about energy-efficiency incentives as well.
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Q: How long do these shingles last?
- A: With proper installation, ventilation, and maintenance, you can expect 25–30+ years of performance.
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Q: Is impact resistance necessary in NJ?
- A: In wooded or hail-prone areas, yes. Ask us about GAF ArmorShield II.
Related Resources
Final Note from RGB Construction
At RGB Construction, Excellence isn’t just the goal—it’s the standard.
From the shingles we install to how we treat your home, we’re committed to protecting what matters most—with professionalism, transparency, and care.
Have questions? Just ask—we’re here to help.